Get Organized

Posted by Estela Kennen Dec 13, 2006

There are twenty-four hours in a day. Everyone knows this. Each minute, each second lasts the same amount. Then how do some people find time to put their all into their job, volunteer, watch their kid’s soccer game, and host a great party while others get queasy at the thought of starting that project that was assigned three weeks ago? Here are six easy tips to make you more productive:

Want it

Taking time to figure out how to juggle it all can be tough. If you had time to spare, you wouldn’t need to think about how to manage it in the first place. But getting your life in order is worth the trouble, says Dr. Estela Lopez, Vice Chancellor of the Connecticut State University System. “The balancing act is a skill you will use all your life – in college, when you have a family, and in your career.”

Prioritize

You really can’t do everything, and you shouldn’t feel like you have to. Never shortchange your studies. Beyond that, pick the things you truly care about. Start by limiting yourself to one volunteer opportunity a week, for instance, or whatever is comfortable for you. Feel free to try new things, but don’t say yes to every opportunity that comes your way.

Have a System

You'll be amazed how much time is gained when you don't have to search for your stuff, or when you know exactly what your plans are ahead of time,” explains author Jessie Morgenstern-Colon. Organize everything you’ll need for the day, from your work shoes to your briefcase, the night before. Morgenstern-Colon also suggests having – and sticking to!-- a color-coded schedule for every day of the week.

Remember to pencil in time for food, friends, and fun. “Reward yourself [for sticking to your schedule and meeting your goals] by going to the mall … or watching a movie,” suggests Lopez.

Just Do it

Sometimes you get nervous about all the things you have to get done, and end up spending two hours checking your email instead of working. Then you stress about how now you really don’t have time to finish anything, which leaves you feeling anxious and drained. It takes will power to stop this cycle, but doing so will make your days go a lot better. Don’t spend time and energy stressing over how you have no time—just do what needs to get done.

Take Care of Yourself

You yawn during meetings. Your mind wanders at your desk. Your eyes glaze as soon as you get home from work. Chances are you’re not taking good care of your body. That Diet Coke and Milky Way bar may give you a momentary boast, but they’ll actually make you feel worse in the long run. Those late night sessions so you can catch up on work also take their toll.

Maybe you’re thinking, “I already don’t have enough time to do what I want and need to do, and you want me to take more time to eat and sleep?” But the fact is you would feel sharper and more energetic – in other words, be able to do more stuff in the same amount of time—if you just gave your body what it needs.

Parting Words: Make it a habit!

Sticking to a schedule can be tough at first, but it’s worth the trouble. After about three weeks of doing something steadily, it will become second nature.